xanadu,

That is a ************ disgrace!
There is no way you should have had to bet in that race.
I have cancelled bets previously even though they were placed on the internet, but with 20 minutes before the race.
This was Tabcorp, not sure which TAB you were going through, but this is just not on.

The race was initially called a no race and no dividends were paid, so your bet should have been refunded with the option to replace it or not.
Especially with scratchings and a rescheduled start.
No wonder people are jumping on Betfair and IASBET rather than suffering the poor value and lack of customer service from te TABs in general.